Kanye West is back at it with the unveiling of his gritty Yeezy Season 5 presentation…

The New York Fashion Week debut received mixed reviews from revered fashion publications and, with the absence of media participation, ‘Ye made the clear statement that he intends to allow his muted designs to speak for themselves. Celebrity guests lined the front row and included the like of wifey Kim Kardashian West, Teyana Taylor and Off White’s creative ingénue (and fellow Yeezy-ite) Virgil Abloh.

Teyana Taylor and Yeezy’s creative director Kanye West

Season 5 wasn’t a shocker. In my opinion, there were no looks that stood out and it appears that Kanye continues to push this aesthetic of what my sister calls “homeless chic”. Admittingly, there were a few pieces that caught my eye but the overall feel of the collection screamed Jenner overload as the crescent of athleisure mainstays lie clad on the lifeless models. Moody hues of burgundy, soft blues and olive greens captivated showgoers while light wash denim, signature shearling coats, oversized hoodies and monotonous variations of camouflage drifted down the runway. But, honestly, not a drop of Yeezy’s Season 1 innovation made a cameo.

The rapper-turned-designer has created a genre of fashion that envelopes both personal comfort and an effortless je n’ais sais quoi; however, each collection appears to be a carbon copy of his previous seasons. Now, I understand the intricacies involved in grasping inspiration and successfully bringing them to life but where’s the wow factor, Kanye?

Per usual, fashion’s elite editors, stylists and it-girls will drown themselves in Yeezy Season 5 apparel for the duration of 2017 and, of course, the overpriced duds will sell out across the world. But, my question is: Can Yeezy resurrect a dying streetwear culture?

I’ve followed about eight critically-acclaimed street style blogs for a few years and, personally, I believe streetwear culture has become uninspiring due to its saturation via social media platforms. With such an extensive audience, what was once a form of veritable self-expression and outfit inspo has crossed over into a debacle of popularity, subtle discrimination and “designer” appeal. As a result, the snap, crackle and pop of cutting-edge outfits have fallen flatter than Mariah Carey’s recent holiday performance.

Yeezy calls himself a “genius” and a “visionary” so let’s put his skills to test. Does he possess the sartorial gumption and talent needed to conquer the streetwear realm? True – he’s got a killer fan base in his back pocket and the overwhelming support of fashion heavyweights but do you feel his influence can alter the way we perceive the concrete catwalk?

Call me crazy but I don’t think so. Add all the sharp-toed boots and Adidas logos you want, I’m not buying the hype.

> esmesha posted: “Kanye West is back at it with the unveiling of his gritty > Yeezy Season 5 presentation… The New York Fashion Week debut received mixed > reviews from revered fashion publications and, with the absence of media > participation, ‘Ye made the clear statement t” >